Note: The dramatic action in this play does not flow in the same manner as that in Trifles, Wedding Band, Real Women Have Curves, and Split Second. For one thing, Mann has built her play around interviews with individuals who lived thru the incidents depicted in the play, such as friends of Milk, reporters who covered the trial, even jurors who spoke out after the trial was over. This approach to the construction of a play is unique and often challenging to readers. It generally works well on the stage but not so well in the study. We see another playwright use this technique with very different results in Fires in the Mirror. So, the questions posed about the construction of the play do not easily follow Ball’s method of analysis.
1. You may identify the stasis in the play but it isn’t necessarily at the beginning of the play. Where is it and who does it involve?
This play is a a compilation of interviews from jurors, reporters, and people that went on the stand. It also involves Dan White's infamous tape.This a recap of the trial of the murder of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. The trial took place in San Francisco. 2. Ball points out that the intrusion sometimes occurs late in the dramatic action. What is the intrusion that breaks the stasis in Execution of Justice and how is it broken?
I think the intrusion occurs at the beginning of Act Two. It occurs exactly when it begins to be more specific. The first Act was merely an account of what happened. The audience is given almost a summary of the events that lead up to the execution of these two beloved officials. There is almost no connection with the audience and Dan White. But just like when the witnesses were brought out and the jurors (who in opinion was picked based upon bias) were able to see Dan White as more of a victim of his circumstances rather than the murderer that he was, the case,= (and the play) shifted tone and different action occurred. 3. Why do the events of the play take place at this particular time and place? In other words, what is the unique factor that is out of the ordinary that causes a turn of events to take place? Hint: what is the heart of the play? How does the title figure in this?
This play is a compilation of accounts that actually occurred during the trial of Dan White. It follows the actual real-life event. The title is very ironic. With the title, with no prior knowledge of this event, most would assume that the justice would be for the two officials that were slain. However, when the play comes to it's conclusion, just like the jurors, justice is sought after for Dan White instead. 4. State the dramatic questions that must be answered by the end of the play? (Ordinarily, the dramatic question shares a close connection with the intrusion.)
While Dan be convicted of Murder for at least one of the men he killed?Or what will happen to Dan White once he serves that sentence? Will justice really be given to the people that truly deserve it. 5. Use the two lawyers to answer the questions concerning character. Ball says, a character is revealed by what he/she does, ie. The dramatic actions that are taken. Examine what these particular characters wants. The wants of a character often encounter obstacles that get in the way of achieving those wants. Ball says there are 4 kinds of obstacles that frustrate the wants of a character. They are: a. Me against myself, b. Me against another individual, c. Me against society (that is law, social norms, etc.) and, d. Me against fate, the universe, natural forces, God or the gods. In answering these questions be sure to point to the particular obstacles that demonstrate these obstacles facing each of the lawyers.
I think when it comes to being a lawyer, all lawyer must battle against fate, themselves, and others. Regardless of how well you may think the case will go in your favor (like the prosecution) things can play out so very differently when you incorporate other's people's emotions and perceptions. Also, for lawyers who take the job of defending someone who is guilty like Dan White. Regardless of their moral beliefs and feelings towards that person and that person's actions, the lawyer must save that person. The Defense attorney was a genius for his jury selection and playing the tape. The prosecution attorney was overly cocky and that happened to be his downfall. 6. The most important information in most plays takes place during theatrical moments. Identify the most theatrical moments in Execution of Justice.
Some of the most theatrical moments are as follows:
1. When the sentenced is given for Dan White.
2.When any doctor was brought into the court to speak
3. Dan's tape being played.
4. Anytime a witness became emotional on the stand.
1. You may identify the stasis in the play but it isn’t necessarily at the beginning of the play. Where is it and who does it involve?
This play is a a compilation of interviews from jurors, reporters, and people that went on the stand. It also involves Dan White's infamous tape.This a recap of the trial of the murder of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. The trial took place in San Francisco.
2. Ball points out that the intrusion sometimes occurs late in the dramatic action. What is the intrusion that breaks the stasis in Execution of Justice and how is it broken?
I think the intrusion occurs at the beginning of Act Two. It occurs exactly when it begins to be more specific. The first Act was merely an account of what happened. The audience is given almost a summary of the events that lead up to the execution of these two beloved officials. There is almost no connection with the audience and Dan White. But just like when the witnesses were brought out and the jurors (who in opinion was picked based upon bias) were able to see Dan White as more of a victim of his circumstances rather than the murderer that he was, the case,= (and the play) shifted tone and different action occurred.
3. Why do the events of the play take place at this particular time and place? In other words, what is the unique factor that is out of the ordinary that causes a turn of events to take place? Hint: what is the heart of the play? How does the title figure in this?
This play is a compilation of accounts that actually occurred during the trial of Dan White. It follows the actual real-life event. The title is very ironic. With the title, with no prior knowledge of this event, most would assume that the justice would be for the two officials that were slain. However, when the play comes to it's conclusion, just like the jurors, justice is sought after for Dan White instead.
4. State the dramatic questions that must be answered by the end of the play? (Ordinarily, the dramatic question shares a close connection with the intrusion.)
While Dan be convicted of Murder for at least one of the men he killed?Or what will happen to Dan White once he serves that sentence? Will justice really be given to the people that truly deserve it.
5. Use the two lawyers to answer the questions concerning character. Ball says, a character is revealed by what he/she does, ie. The dramatic actions that are taken. Examine what these particular characters wants. The wants of a character often encounter obstacles that get in the way of achieving those wants. Ball says there are 4 kinds of obstacles that frustrate the wants of a character. They are: a. Me against myself, b. Me against another individual, c. Me against society (that is law, social norms, etc.) and, d. Me against fate, the universe, natural forces, God or the gods. In answering these questions be sure to point to the particular obstacles that demonstrate these obstacles facing each of the lawyers.
I think when it comes to being a lawyer, all lawyer must battle against fate, themselves, and others. Regardless of how well you may think the case will go in your favor (like the prosecution) things can play out so very differently when you incorporate other's people's emotions and perceptions. Also, for lawyers who take the job of defending someone who is guilty like Dan White. Regardless of their moral beliefs and feelings towards that person and that person's actions, the lawyer must save that person. The Defense attorney was a genius for his jury selection and playing the tape. The prosecution attorney was overly cocky and that happened to be his downfall.
6. The most important information in most plays takes place during theatrical moments. Identify the most theatrical moments in Execution of Justice.
Some of the most theatrical moments are as follows:
1. When the sentenced is given for Dan White.
2.When any doctor was brought into the court to speak
3. Dan's tape being played.
4. Anytime a witness became emotional on the stand.